Untitled

A method for manufacturing keycap includes applying a first coating layer on a surface of a keycap layer, applying a second coating layer on top of the first coating layer, etching at least a portion of the first coating layer to a first depth to form a first etched area, and etching at least a portion of the first etched area to a second depth to form a second etched area.

A directional indicator includes a momentary type turn signal lever supported to undergo a swing operation and automatically returning to a neutral position after the swing operation, a turn switch operated by the swing operation of the turn signal lever in a first zone for generating a turn signal for informing a driving direction of a vehicle and for setting an auto turn cancel mode for automatically canceling the turn signal, a manual switch operated by the swing operation of the turn signal lever in a second zone for setting a manual mode for manually canceling the turn signal, and a turn signal control section for controlling cancellation of the turn signal based on an operating state of the turn switch and the manual switch.

Systems and methods for determining an inventory condition of objects based on captured images are described. An exemplary inventory control system or method utilizes a highly efficient and economical approach to apply suitable imaging parameters for capturing images of a storage drawer being accessed by a user, or for manipulating the captured images of the drawer. An inventory condition of the drawer is determined based on the captured images or manipulated images.

There is provided a method for determining an abnormality during operation of a high voltage disconnect switch, the method comprising: determining a current position of an arm of the high voltage disconnect switch operatively connected to a motor, the motor being operated for driving the arm of the high voltage disconnect switch; determining a torque of the motor corresponding to the current position of the arm; comparing the torque of the motor to a torque threshold for the current position of the arm; and outputting an abnormality signal based on the comparison.

A power generation apparatus includes an operation member that has a first operation part or a second operation part operated upon power generation; a power generation part that generates an induced electromotive force upon being driven by a slide member that moves in a first direction or a second direction; first and second elastic units that accumulate an elastic force; a first connection release mechanism that prompts the first elastic unit to accumulate elastic force when the first operation part is operated and allows the elastic force to be output to move the slide member in the second direction when accumulation is completed; and a second connection release mechanism that prompts the second elastic unit to accumulate the elastic force when the second operation part is operated and allows the elastic force to be output to move the slide member in the first direction when accumulation is completed.

A layout method of a touch panel electrode includes the steps of: providing a substrate; forming a first electro-conductive layer, having pattern blocks disposed adjacently to one another, on one side of the substrate, wherein the first electro-conductive layer is transparent; forming an alignment film on the one side of the substrate; forming an second electro-conductive layer, having wires to be connected to at least one of the pattern blocks, on the one side of the substrate; and forming a protection layer on the second electro-conductive layer to protect the second electro-conductive layer. The present invention can reduce the processes of manufacturing the conventional electrode, especially do not needs to form another electro-conductive layer and another protection layer on the other side of the substrate, and can effectively prevent the electrostatic charge effect and increase the capacitance and sensitivity.

A terminal contacting part includes in a jig for charging and discharging a secondary battery and a jig including the terminal contacting part. The terminal contacting part has a conductive unit for contacting an electrode terminal and conducting thereto and a pressing unit for pressing the electrode terminal for the conductive unit to be in tight contact with an electrode lead of a secondary battery. A compressing plate to be in contact with an electrode terminal includes a pad of dielectric-elastic material.

A luminous keyboard device includes plural keys, a supporting plate, a light-emitting element, a membrane switch circuit module, and a light guide plate. The light guide plate is thicker than the light guide plate. The supporting plate has an opening corresponding to the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is inserted into the opening. The light-emitting element is used for emitting plural light beams. A portion of the plural light beams are traveled along the path under the supporting plate and introduced into the light guide plate. Consequently, the portion of the plural light beams will be directed to the plural keys to illuminate the plural keys. Another portion of the plural light beams are traveled along the path over the supporting plate and introduced into the membrane switch circuit module. Consequently, the luminous efficiency of the slim-type luminous keyboard device is enhanced.

Button assemblies including water tight seals and methods for making the same are provided. The button assembly can include a button made from a rigid material having a cosmetic portion and a post. The post may extend from a bottom surface of the button and activate a switch of the electronic device when the button is actuated. Additionally, the button assembly can include a sealing member made from a compliant material having a post receiving hole. The sealing member may be secured to the button and an interior surface of a housing of the electronic device. The post receiving hole may fit around and engage the post. In some embodiments, the button may include a cavity and the sealing member may include a protruding member. In these embodiments, the cavity can receive the protruding member to provide for better registration of the sealing member to the button during assembly.

A MEMS electrostatic actuator includes a bottom plate affixed to a substrate and a top plate suspended above the bottom plate. The top plate has a parallel plate center section and two rotating members electrically connected to the center section. Each rotating member is attached centrally of the rotating member for rotation about an axis of rotation to a set of anchor posts. The attachment includes at least one pair of torsional springs attached along each axis, each spring comprising a rectangular metal square that twists as the rotational members rotate. Electrostatic pull-down electrodes are underneath each rotational member.

Systems for disconnecting and/or connecting service between a utility network and a utility meter are disclosed. In one embodiment, a switch system includes: an actuator connected to a sliding cam for moving the sliding cam between a first position and a second position, the sliding cam slidingly receiving a terminal blade of the utility meter and including a pair of camming surfaces for disengaging a pair of conductors from the terminal blade in response to being moved from the first position to the second position by the actuator.

A switching device is disclosed for a switchgear cabinet including a switchgear cabinet door. The switching device includes a housing, a switching unit disposed in the housing, a handle is movable between a first and a second position for actuating the switching unit, and a locking bar that is movable between a locking position and a release position. The locking bar is linked to the handle via a coupling device such that the latter moves the locking bar to the locking position when the handle is moved to the first position and moves the locking bar to the release position when the handle is moved to the second position. A clamping device is provided for clamping the locking bar in the release position, the coupling device including at least one spring element in the force path between the handle and the locking bar.

A touchsurface assembly comprises a base, a pressable touchsurface, and a deflectable spring. The pressable touchsurface is configured to move between an unpressed position and a pressed position relative to the base. The deflectable spring comprises a fixed portion and a contact portion. The contact portion is configured to contact a spring guiding profile. As the touchsurface moves from the unpressed position to the pressed position, the contact portion physically interacts with different sections of the spring guiding profile. This interaction causes different deflections of the deflectable spring and produces reaction forces that resist keycap motion toward the pressed position and bias the keycap toward the unpressed position.

A mobile device has a front frame with a key opening, a first forward facing surface adjacent the key opening and a second forward facing surface adjacent the key opening. The mobile device includes a keypad with keys coupled to a flexible backing. The keypad is insertable from behind the front frame of the mobile device to position the keys into openings in the front frame and laterally expandable to position the keys on opposing lateral sides of the keypad in front of forward facing surfaces of the front frame.

An electronic device, comprising a rotating switch mechanism for switching a conduction state of a predefined electronic circuit corresponding to a rotating operation of a rotating operation part rotatably provided on a housing on the predefined rotational axis, a locking mechanism for locking the rotation of the rotating operation part relative to the housing, and a switching member for switching an operating state and a non-operating state of the electronic device, wherein the locking mechanism locks the rotation of the rotating operation part relative to the housing when the electronic device is in the operating state and does not lock the rotation of the rotating operation part relative to the housing when the electronic device is in the non-operating state so that the rotation of the rotating operation part of the rotating switch mechanism provided to the electronic device can be locked with improved usability.

The present invention provides an electroconductive sheet and a touch panel which do not impair visibility in a vicinity of an electrode terminal in a sensing region. In an electroconductive sheet which has an electrode pattern constructed of a metal thin wire and an electrode terminal that is electrically connected to an end of the electrode pattern, a transmittance of the electrode pattern is 83% or more, and when the transmittance of the electrode pattern is represented by a %, a transmittance of the electrode terminal is controlled to be (a-20)% or more and (a-3)% or less.

A keyboard includes a plurality of key tops having areas where light is transmitted; a gear link part provided below the key top and configured to vertically move the key top, a housing part provided below the key top, the housing part being configured to hold the gear link part; a rubber actuator configured to provide a reaction force based on vertical motion of the key top; a membrane sheet provided below the rubber actuator and having a contact, the contact being configured to open and close based on the vertical motion of the key top; a support panel provided below the membrane sheet, the support panel being configured to fix the gear link part with the housing part; a light guide plate provided below the support panel; and a light emitting diode configured to emit the light to a side surface of the light guide plate.

The invention provides a movable contact movable on a fixed contact or a resistor. The movable contact includes first and second sliders. The first and second sliders are arranged in such a manner as to slide along different sliding tracks from each other on the fixed contact or the resistor in accordance with movement of the movable contact.

A control module includes a housing, a continuous cover supported by the housing, and a plurality of switches positioned within the housing in selective mechanical engagement with the continuous cover. Each of the plurality of switches is electrically configured to be capable of independently triggering a particular function when the continuous cover is moved relative to the housing.

A button device has a circuit board, a tact switch having a pressed surface, a light source, and a resilient button capable of sliding relative to the circuit board. The resilient button includes a pressed portion having a projection surface and a light guide column connected to the pressed portion and directing light toward the projection surface. The light guide column includes a light receiving surface facing the light source with a certain distance apart and a touchable portion apart from the pressed surface with a certain distance used for touching the tact switch.

An embodiment relates to an electric switch, particularly an electric circuit-breaker, including a rotor housing that can be turned to an ON and an OFF position and at least one electric contact arm that is mounted rotatably in the rotor housing and can be swiveled jointly with as well as relatively to it. A display element is included that is coupled indirectly or directly to the rotor housing and which in one display position indicates the ON position of the rotor housing and in another display position indicates the OFF position of the rotor housing.

A multi-directional tilt switch includes a housing inner surface defining a chamber, a housing outer surface opposite to the housing inner surface, a plurality of slots extending through the housing inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of conductive terminals each including an insert portion inserted in a corresponding slot, a contact portion extending into the chamber, and a first connecting surface exposed from the housing outer surface. A conductive body is accommodated movably in the chamber between a first position, where the conductive body bridges two contact portions, and a second position, where the conductive body does not bridge any two contact portions.

A switch assembly and method of switching a load between a first power source and a second power source that maintains a desired sequencing of the making and breaking of both the neutral and power connections in response to a single user input. The switch assembly includes an actuator that is movable between a first position and a second position and a first movable element and a second movable element that are operably coupled to one another and the actuator. A positive switch contact arrangement is coupled with the first movable element and a neutral switch contact arrangement is coupled with the second movable element. The positive switch contact arrangement and the neutral switch contact arrangement comprise geometrically different constructions so that moving the actuator between the first position and the second position avoids an open neutral condition.

A high voltage (HV) interface housing is provided that includes an assembly of levers within the housing that detect whether or not the HV lines are coupled to the interface housing. If the HV lines are not in place, the lever assembly prevents the interface cover from being fully installed onto the interface housing, thereby preventing the HV interlock loop switch from being closed. As a result, when the HV cables are not in place, the HV interlock loop switch prevents power from being applied to the HV circuit. If, however, the HV lines are properly positioned within the interface housing, the levers of the lever assembly automatically retract, thus allowing the interface cover to be fully installed onto the interface housing. In this state, the interface cover closes the HV interlock loop switch, thus closing the HV interlock loop and allowing power to be applied to the HV circuit.

Keypad apparatus and methods are described herein. An example keypad includes a keypad support having a first surface defining a cavity, and an electrical switch assembly coupled to the keypad support. The electrical switch includes a printed circuit board having at least a portion repositioned relative to a second surface of the printed circuit board. The repositioned portion is located in the cavity and the second surface is located on the first surface of the keypad support when the printed circuit board is coupled to the keypad support. The repositioned portion is attached to the second surface of the printed circuit board. A dome switch is aligned with the repositioned portion of the printed circuit board and is at least partially positioned in the cavity of the keypad support.

A mobile terminal includes a terminal body, and a manipulating portion disposed on one side surface of the terminal body, wherein the manipulating portion includes: a substrate having a first contact point and a second contact point; and a conductive dome configured to conduct the first and second contact points when being pressed, wherein the first and second contact points are spaced from each other on the substrate in a first direction, and wherein the second contact point portion is not disposed in a second direction crossing the first direction. Under these configurations, the mobile terminal can have more various designs.

A control device includes an input mechanism having an actuation surface that is configurable by a user between at least two different surface topologies. In a first configuration, the surface topology may provide a first shape for receiving user input and in a second configuration provide a second shape for receiving user input. The actuation surface in one example includes the upper surface of an input pad having a plurality of input arms and the upper surface of a fill pad having a plurality of fill tabs. At least one of the input pad and the fill pad may be moved in a direction of an axis perpendicular to the face of the control device to change the distance between the upper surfaces. The actuation surface in one example is rotatable to cause translation of at least one of the pads in the direction of the perpendicular axis.

An electrical switch includes a housing and at least two electrical terminals. A pivoting toggle is provided within the housing for controlling the electrical connection between the two terminals. A light source is mounted to the housing in a fixed position and a length of optically conductive material extends from within the toggle to adjacent the light source, such that, when the light source is on, light is visible through the toggle via the optically conductive material.

The present invention provides an integrated electro-mechanical actuator and a manufacturing method for manufacturing such an integrated electro-mechanical actuator. The integrated electro-mechanical actuator comprises an electrostatic actuator gap between actuator electrodes and an electrical contact gap between contact electrodes. An inclination with an inclination angle is provided between the actuator electrodes and the contact electrodes. The thickness of this electrical contact gap is equal to the thickness of a sacrificial layer which is etched away in a manufacturing process.

A common actuator system of multi switches for a switchgear is capable of selectively opening or closing the plurality of switches using a single common actuator motor. The actuator system includes a single actuator motor providing a rotational force for commonly opening or closing the plurality of switches and having an output shaft, a plurality of link members provided to correspond to the plurality of switches, respectively, to transfer the rotational force of the actuator motor to the plurality of switches, a selective power transfer mechanism to selectively connect one of the plurality of link members to the actuator motor, and a rotational-linear force conversion mechanism to convert the rotational force of one of the plurality of link members into a linear force for opening or closing a corresponding switch and providing the linear force to the switch.

A method for determining the relative humidity of an insulating liquid filled electric apparatus including a container containing insulating liquid and gas, a communication unit providing communication between the gas of the container and gas of an external environment, and providing dehydration of gas passing through the communication unit, wherein the method includes: continuously measuring and storing the relative humidity of the gas in the container, calculating an average value of the relative humidity in the gas based on the stored humidity measurements during a certain time period, and determining the relative humidity of the insulating liquid based on the average value of the relative humidity in the gas and a relationship between the relative humidity of the gas and the relative humidity of the insulating liquid at equilibrium.

A mechanical vibration switch having a magnet connected to a bar that rotates about an axis, an inertial mass connected to the bar, a magnetic material part disposed in a predetermined spaced apart relation from the magnet, a spring, a stop, and an electrical relay mechanically actuated by the bar. The magnetic material part is adjusted parallel to the magnet such that the magnetic force varies approximately linearly with the common surface area S between the face of the magnet and the face of the magnetic material part.

A push switch according to the present invention includes a case with a substantially-box shape, a cover, a manipulation member, a movable contact point, and a spring with a substantially-U-shape. The case with the substantially-box shape is provided with a common contact point and a fixed contact point in its inner bottom surface. The movable contact point is swayably placed on the common contact point and is extended in a leftward and rightward direction. The spring with the substantially-U-shape has one end hitched on a lower surface of the cover, the other end slidably placed on an upper surface of the movable contact point, and a center portion being in elastic contact with a lower surface of the manipulation member. This enables to make the entire push switch have a reduced height and to certainly connect and separate relatively-larger electric currents of about several amperes therethrough.

An electric switch device for a machine tool has a switch-side contact element, that is held movably and is in contact, in a contact position, with a mating contact element so as to close a circuit. The switch-side contact element is a switching spring, which is acted upon by its internal stress to move into the out-of-contact position.

A switching device assembly has an encapsulation housing. Movable active conductors are located inside the encapsulation housing. A drive unit with a gearbox is located outside of the encapsulation housing. The gearbox is part of a kinematic chain for moving an active conductor. The kinematic chain penetrates the encapsulation housing. In order to reverse the direction of a movement of the gearbox that can be transmitted, the gearbox is turned around a reversing axis and coupled into the kinematic chain.

A push switch of the present invention includes a case in which a concave portion is formed. The push switch of the present invention includes a movable member formed so as to be convex upward and arranged in the concave portion. The push switch of the present invention includes a protecting sheet provided above the movable member so as to cover the concave portion, the protecting sheet having an adhesive formed on a lower surface thereof. The push switch of the present invention is provided with an intermediate sheet between a lower surface of the adhesive and an upper surface of the movable member.

A device for the control of an electronic apparatus. The device includes an upper panel upon which a user may exert at least one control action, a lower support armature upon which the upper panel is vertically and movably mounted, a switching breaker configured to be triggered by the upper panel, and an articulated structure configured to hold the upper panel. An axis of actuation of the switching breaker may be arranged at the periphery of a contour of the upper panel, and the articulated structure may include several consecutive shafts, each of which is arranged along an associated edge of the contour of the upper actuation face of the upper panel.

A key structure of a keyboard includes an intermediate plate, a keycap, a scissors-type connecting member, and an elastic element. The intermediate plate includes a hollow portion and a position-limiting recess. The position-limiting recess is formed in a lower part of the intermediate plate and in communication with the hollow portion. A lower part of the scissors-type connecting member is accommodated within the position-limiting recess. An upper part of the scissors-type connecting member is engaged with the keycap. After the elastic element is fixed on the intermediate plate, the elastic element is penetrated through the scissors-type connecting member and contacted with the keycap. The intermediate plate, the keycap, the scissors-type connecting member and the elastic element are combined as a single key. After plural keys are fixed on a base plate, the keyboard is assembled. Consequently, the efficiency of assembling the keyboard is enhanced.

An electrical switching apparatus includes a housing having an interior and an opening, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes an operating handle extending from the interior of the housing and through the opening of the housing. A dampening member is disposed on the operating handle. The dampening member is structured to engage the housing at the opening thereof when the operating handle moves to at least one of an “ON” position and a “RESET” or “OFF” position.

A switch device includes a busbar, a switch knob, a movable contact sliding part in the busbar, a movable contact configured to slide while elastically contacting the movable contact sliding part, root parts in the movable contact sliding part, and a fixed contact. The root parts are engaged with the movable contact. An engaging position of the movable contact is shifted from the one of the root parts to another one so as to switch connecting relation. A groove part and a rib are formed in the busbar between the one of the root parts and another one of the root parts. The rib is configured to abut against the movable contact to deform the movable contact in an opposite direction to a direction where the movable contact is engaged with the root parts, in a state where the movable contact is positioned at the groove part.

A narrow key switch for a low travel keyboard and methods of fabrication are described. The low-travel keyboard having narrow keys is suitable for a thin-profile computing device, such as a laptop computer, netbook computer, desktop computer, etc. The keyboard includes a key cap positioned over an elastomeric dome and a two-part scissor mechanism having two separate linkage structures on opposite sides of the dome. A link bar is also provided to transfer a load from a side of a key to the center if the key cap is depressed in an off-center manner. Transferring the load to the center helps to deform the elastomeric dome so that it can activate the switch circuitry of the membrane on printed circuit board underneath the dome. Separating the linkage structures into two separate parts allows for the use of a full-sized elastomeric dome for a narrow key switch. The full-sized dome provides the desired tactile feedback to a user. Thus, the tactile feel of the key is not compromised even thought the key is narrower than a conventional key.

A line-jumper apparatus typically includes a first connector, a second connector, and a housing attached to the first connector and the second connector. In a closed position, the housing provides a low-resistance current path and a high-resistance current path between the first connector and the second connector. In an open position, the housing inhibits current from flowing between the first connector and the second connector. The housing is configured so that, when the housing is transitioned from the closed position to the open position, the low-resistance current path is opened before the high-resistance current path. The housing typically includes a safety mechanism that prevents the low-resistance current path from being opened unless the high-resistance current path is closed.

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a handpiece and an ultrasonically actuated blade distal to the handpiece. The instrument includes an activation member that is operable to selectively activate the blade and a controller that is operable to select the energy level at which the blade will be activated. The activation member may comprise capacitive switches; resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. The controller may comprise the same. The controller may permit selection from three or more available ultrasonic energy levels. The activation member and/or controller may be manipulated from various longitudinal positions on the handpiece and/or various rotational positions about the handpiece, such that the handpiece may be gripped in a variety of ways.

An electrical device removal tool, such as for circuit breakers, that is lightweight, portable, and rugged for providing electrically operated controlled insertion and removal of electrical equipment by an operator from a remote location using a coupling device for engagement with the electrical equipment housing.

An light switch cover plate constructed of a durable and ruggedized break-resistant material that securely covers the light switch switching mechanism and includes, uniquely keyed mounting members, and a uniquely keyed switching implement operably connected to a switching lever to effect switching on and off the light switch switching mechanism.

A luminescent keyswitch module includes a base plate, a keyswitch, a light guide plate, a light source, a diffusion structure, and a reflector. The keyswitch is disposed on the base plate. The light guide plate, disposed under the base plate, has an accommodating space communicated with a through hole of the base plate. The light source passes through the through hole, is accommodated in the accommodating space, and emits light having a first divergence angle. The diffusion structure is accommodated in the accommodating space and located between the light source and the light guide plate. The light passes through the diffusion structure. The light leaving the second light exit surface has a second divergence angle larger than the first divergence angle. The reflector is disposed under the light guide plate, so as to reflect the light to pass through the light guide plate and the base plate to the keyswitch.

A device and method are disclosed for use in sealing a toggle-operated apparatus mounted upon a panel. The actuator of the apparatus initially is in an operating position extending along a given axial direction and is movable through angular displacement away from that orientation into another operating position, by an operating force applied in a transverse direction. A boot member of the device is constructed of a resiliently flexible elastomeric material and includes an apical section for placement over the actuator upon sealing the apparatus, and an intermediate section configured and dimensioned to facilitate angular displacement of the apical section, along with angular displacement of the actuator to operate the apparatus, while reducing any resulting resilient biasing force tending to return the apical section toward orientation in the given axial direction to less than any transversely directed force capable of moving the actuator out of the another operating position.

An electrical contact including stainless steel material is disclosed with advantages of good fusing resistance, good abrasion resistance and low contact electrical resistance. The electrical contact includes silver-based material and the stainless steel material. The stainless steel material is dispersed in the silver-based material and weight percentage thereof accounting to the electrical contact is 0.01% to 35%.

A handlebar switch for a motorcycle that achieves reduction in size of a switch case, while enhancing a degree of freedom in layout of a plurality operating and other types of switches. A handlebar switch includes: a switch case that includes case half bodies, joined together across a handlebar and a plurality of operating switches, such as a horn switch, protruding from the switch case; and a substrate disposed inside the switch case in a position substantially orthogonal to a direction of an axis of the handlebar, the substrate having a plurality of contacts for generating electric signals in a manner operatively associated with an operation of the operating switch. In the handlebar switch, each of the contacts is electrically connected by pressure applied in a direction substantially identical to the direction of the axis of the handlebar.

A service plug includes a lever (30) supported on a cover (20) for movement between full and partial locking positions. A housing (90) is connectable to and separable from the cover (20) as the lever (30) is moved. Heavy current terminals (50) are disconnected from a power supply circuit in a separating process of the cover (20). A detection terminal (60) is switched from an ON-state to an OFF-state in the separating process of the cover (20). A stopper (40) contacts restricting walls (25) on the cover (20) to stop a movement of the lever (30) from the full locking position toward the partial locking position until the heavy current terminals (50) are disconnected from the power supply circuit after the detection terminal (60) is switched from the ON-state to the OFF-state in the separating process of the cover (20).